Uses for Air Handler Motor | RIDGID Forum | Plumbing, Woodworking and Power Tools - HVAC Discussion

I have an air handler with 240v variable speed motor coming my way soon (I hope). I wanted it to make a dust collector out of for my shop but from reading up on it that's probably not a good application of that type of fan.

So I was thinking what else could I use the motor for. It's a 1HP, 240v variable speed (not multi-speed). I was wondering if I got an appropriate size VFD if I could use the motor in a bandsaw or similar application. I've seen VFDs for 2 and 3HP CNC spindles for a couple hundred dollars. I was thinking of picking up an old 14 inch wood bandsaw and converting it to full time metal cutting.

Thoughts? Worthwhile or am I wasting my time and money.